There are different types of abdominal pain and many reasons for it. Some of the reasons may even require surgery, so you should always contact your physician and not try to self-diagnose. Sometimes, abdominal pain starts suddenly, is constant and severe. Examples of this type of abdominal pain would include acute pancreatitis and ectopic pregnancy. On the other hand, the pain can be gradual and steady, like in diverticulitis, acute cholangitis and appendicitis.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The most common reason in men is from chronic alcohol abuse. For women, it is mainly due to gallstones, and for children it is primarily due to trauma. First you will have severe abdominal pain. Next you will feel pain going around your side, all the way to your back. You will be nauseous and probably have to vomit; this will make you weak. You may have a bruise around your umbilicus and on your back. This is caused by hemorrhaging.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy where the embryo implants and grows outside of the woman's uterus, usually inside of her fallopian tube. This will cause the fallopian tube to rupture. She may have cramps, internal bleeding and go into shock. When the fallopian tube ruptures, she will have a sudden, severe, constant pain.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of small herniations in the wall of your intestines. The herniations can become filled with feces and become inflamed. You may have a gradual, steady pain in your lower left abdomen or no pain at all. You may also have fever, gas and constipation.
Acute Cholangitis
Acute cholangitisis the inflammation of your common bile duct. When gallstones obstruct the duct, bacteria can migrate there from your small intestines. You will have a bacterial infection with symptoms called Charcot's Triad. These 3 symptoms are pain in your upper right abdomen, fever with chills, and jaundice. If the gallstones obstruct long enough, the infection can spread to the bloodstream. The symptoms are called Reynold's Pentad; pain, fever with chills, jaundice, shock and decreased mental alertness.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of your appendix. When the appendix becomes infected, you will have a steady, dull pain near your umbilicus, and nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever. After a few hours, the pain will move to your lower right abdomen, which will be very tender.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2009"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2009
- The Merck Manual: Acute Pancreatitis
- The Merck Manual: Ectopic Pregnancy
